Tooth Extractions Houston
When It's Time to Remove Problem Teeth
Tooth extractions are necessary procedures that no dentist wants to perform. After all, their goal is to preserve your natural teeth whenever possible! If one or more are damaged, decayed, or severely infected, however, then they have no other choice; they must perform an extraction to avoid causing further harm to your oral health. If you believe that a tooth extraction in Houston might be what you need, contact our office to schedule an appointment with Dr. Viet Tran today.
Why Choose Smiles of Memorial for Tooth Extractions?
- High-Quality Tooth Replacement Options
- In-House Dental Implant Placement & Restoration
- We Tailor Every Procedure to Our Patients' Needs
Reasons Why Tooth Extractions Are Necessary
As we mentioned above, our goal is to preserve your natural teeth and keep them healthy for as long as possible. There are times, however, when it is in your best interest (or your child's) to have a tooth extracted. This could be the case for a variety of reasons, including:
- Cracked Tooth
- Trauma
- Disease
- Orthodontic Treatment
- Impacted Wisdom Tooth
- Baby Teeth
Whatever the reason you need a tooth extraction, you'll be happy to know that it is a very routine procedure. Plus, a tooth extraction is nothing to be feared when done by an experienced hand. Our talented and experienced emergency dentist, Dr. Viet Tran, will go the extra mile to make the entire treatment process as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
The Process of Removing a Tooth
The first step in any extraction is getting an exam and X-ray to assess the position of the tooth roots and the condition of the surrounding bone. This will allow any possible complications to be anticipated.
As for the actual procedure, you will be given local anesthesia, which will numb the area around the tooth that is to be extracted. Once you're relaxed, comfortable, and ready to begin, we will carefully remove your tooth, tend to the extraction site, and give you detailed aftercare instructions.
Important note: If you are nervous or need multiple teeth extracted, you can opt for additional sedatives such as oral sedatives (taken in pill form), nitrous oxide (which is inhaled), and/or conscious sedation (which is given through an IV)!
Tooth Extraction Aftercare
To ensure you heal quickly and without any obstacles, we will provide you with a list of aftercare instructions, including:
- Take prescribed or OTC pain medication as directed
- Don't use a straw, spit, drink alcohol, or smoke
- Drink water to stay hydrated
- Carefully brush and floss around the extraction site
- Avoid crunchy, spicy, hot, and cold foods
- Change the gauze pads as needed
If you are struggling with a throbbing toothache, there is a significant crack in your enamel, or you're dealing with abnormal dental symptoms, like persistent sensitivity, don't hesitate to get in touch with our team at Smiles of Memorial Dentistry. The sooner you do, the sooner we can figure out the root of the problem and the best way to restore your healthy, pain-free smile.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions
Tooth extractions aren’t the most popular treatment to begin with, but when you add the cost factor in, it can truly sting. At Smiles of Memorial, we want to soften that feeling by providing clear, upfront pricing.
Whether you need one or multiple extractions, we’ll explain all your options and let you see the treatment plan before we begin, so there are no surprises. Our goal is to make high-quality dental care accessible without causing undue financial stress. Read on to learn what affects the cost of extractions and how we help patients manage expenses with flexible solutions.
Factors That Can Affect Tooth Extraction Cost
Several factors influence the final cost of a tooth extraction, including:
- Type of Extraction: Simple extractions are less expensive than surgical extractions, which require more advanced techniques, or, on rare occasions, a referral to a specialist.
- Tooth Location: Molars at the back of your mouth or impacted teeth can be more difficult to remove, increasing the cost.
- Anesthesia or Sedation: If you require additional sedation beyond local anesthesia, this will add to the overall expense.
- Complexity of the Case: Infections, broken teeth, or other complications may require specialized care.
- Tooth Replacement: Whether you go with dentures, a bridge, or dental implants, replacing the missing tooth after your extraction will add to the cost.
At our Houston practice, we’ll provide a detailed estimate based on your specific situation, so you can feel confident about moving forward with care.
Does Dental Insurance Cover Tooth Extractions?
In many cases, dental insurance offers some coverage for medically necessary tooth extractions. While our office is not in-network with any insurance providers, we are happy to file claims on your behalf.
This helps maximize your reimbursement and makes the process as smooth as possible. If you have questions about your specific benefits, our team will gladly assist you in understanding your insurance coverage.
Other Options for Making Tooth Extractions Affordable
At Smiles of Memorial, we believe financial concerns shouldn’t stand in the way of necessary dental care. That’s why we offer several flexible options to help manage the cost of tooth extractions, such as:
- CareCredit Financing: Break your treatment cost into affordable monthly payments with low or no-interest plans.
- Pre-Payment Discount: Receive a discount if you pay for your treatment in full before the day of your procedure.
We’re committed to making your care as accessible and stress-free as possible. So, if you have questions about financing or payment options, just let our friendly team know. We’re more than happy to give you a hand when you need it.
Tooth Extractions FAQs
Does Getting a Tooth Extracted Hurt?
You don't have to worry because '– whether the tooth in question has broken through the gumline or it's trapped underneath '– the first step is always the same: to numb your mouth. That way, you don't feel any pain or discomfort while Dr. Tran carefully works to remove it. Even after the procedure, he will provide you with aftercare instructions to help prevent soreness and sensitivity from arising in the coming days.
What Are My Options for Replacing a Missing Tooth?
We actually offer three options at our Houston dental office: dental bridges, dentures, and dental implants. The one we recommend for you will depend on a few factors, including how many teeth need to be replaced. For example, if you are missing an entire arch, a full denture will likely be the best solution. If, on the other hand, you're only missing one tooth, a dental implant is a great option because it replaces both the root and crown.
Rest assured, we will discuss all of your treatment options in-depth, answer any questions you have, and share our recommendations with you at your appointment. That way, you have all of the information you need to confidently decide how you want to proceed.
Can I Leave the Space Empty Following a Tooth Extraction?
If you can't see the gap in your smile, you might be wondering if you really need to fill it with a dental bridge or implant. Ultimately, it depends on the reason for the extraction! For example, if it was removed because it was badly decayed or damaged, then you need to replace it to restore the strength of your bite and prevent dental drift. If, on the other hand, the tooth was removed to create space in your mouth prior to orthodontic treatment, then it should be left empty.
What Can I Do to Speed Up the Healing Time?
Following the aftercare instructions you were given is key to healing. So, do your absolute best to make them a priority '– from eating only soft foods and changing the gauze pads as needed to keeping your head elevated while you sleep. You should start to feel better around the three-day mark, so give us a call if considerable soreness, sensitivity, or any other abnormal symptoms persist past that or get worse.
What Can I Eat During the Recovery Period?
During the recovery period, it's important that you only eat extremely soft foods. A few examples include plain yogurt, low-sugar applesauce, and seedless fruit smoothies. As you begin to heal, you can start to incorporate other foods into your diet, like bananas, oatmeal, and vegetable soup. After about a week, you should get the green light to eat all of your favorites again.